Senate opens marathon debate on Trump-backed voter ID bill

The Senate has begun an extended floor debate on the SAVE America Act, a Trump-backed measure requiring photo ID and proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections. The opening vote to begin debate was 51–48, and leaders acknowledge the bill faces a 60-vote hurdle, with Republicans expected to offer amendments while Democrats frame the measure as a barrier to voting. The dispute highlights GOP divisions and Democratic concerns about voter suppression, as the debate could stretch through the weekend and leadership debates how to proceed.